Olafur Arnalds is accompanied by a seven-piece ensemble, including strings and horns, plus simple lighting involving some blinding strobes, used sparingly. His own instruments included two pianos, a Juno60 synthesizer and an iPad. Despite the equipment, band and lights, this was, for the most part, a masterclass in minimalism, with the majority of songs carefully retrained – the live orchestral elements were never overbearing, allowing Arnald’s piano parts to remain the rightful focus.
The pieces of music from his BAFTA-winning Broachchurch soundtrack were naturally greeted with the greatest response, with instrumental tracks like main set closer ‘Beth’s Theme’ entrancing the audience with their simple beauty. The best moments from tonight’s performance, however, came whenever guest vocalist Arnór Dan took to the mic with his soaring, evocative voice. Songs from Arnald’s sublime third album For Now I Am Winter, including a hypnotic outing of ‘Old Skin’, were excellent, as was the commanding rendition of the Broadchurch end credits song, ‘So Far’.
Scenography | Lightdesign SIDF
